But what if you want to break out of the habits that you are in? What if some of the habits you do are detrimental to you and you need to add healthier ones in instead? 

When you hear the word “vacation,” what do you think about? Laying on the warm beach, listening to the waves with a book in hand? Hiking through the mountains on a brisk morning?

What comes to mind when you think of the words “date night?” Do you picture a young couple at a fancy restaurant, or maybe a married couple out on the town? Does date night always have to involve a romantic relationship?

As you watch the man across the room walk toward you, without even thinking about it, you begin to come to conclusions about what type of person this may be. Some are easier to reach than others. His height, for example, age, general level of fitness, and degree of grooming or self care.

Have you ever come across an inconsequential event, but yet it evokes a strong emotion in you like anger, irritation, or sadness? That particular event isn’t necessarily sad or irritating, but for some reason, that’s what it caused you to feel?

Just three letters, s-e-x, and yet that one little word packs an explosion of thoughts, feelings, memories, and beliefs. It’s a loaded word that we would do well to redefine. Your immediate reaction to it probably carries either an undercurrent of embarrassment or intrigue, possibly both.

We have turned into a people of consumption, so much so that we have a hard time not filling our entire day with it. The downside (well, one of the many) is that we have left little to no room for waiting, quiet contemplation, and thought.

She had no horses but thought she did. The funeral will be held in 1977. In lieu of flowers, send Brenda more life.” I STILL laugh out loud when I read that. We should let bots write all of our obituaries.

the whole time you’ve been forced to rest up, you’ve been grouchy and mad about it because you know the longer you rest, the more progress you lose in what you were working toward, whether that’s running a certain distance or winning a competitive sport. 

Yoga can help relieve lower back pain and neck pain, as well as manage chronic pain. It can also be a great way to get into shape or lose weight (NCCIH, 2021). It helps build muscle mass, strength, endurance, and of course, flexibility.

Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder can include difficulties in communicating, rarely sharing enjoyment of activities with others, speaking for long periods without the awareness that others aren’t interested or being given a chance to speak, and making facial expressions that don’t match what they are saying (NIH).

“I can’t sleep. When I close my eyes, it’s like I’m back in that house. I can’t go back.”

“I can’t breathe. I just had a flashback. He was there, I saw him.”

“The holidays are hard. It just brings me back to those same feelings and hurt I went through 10 years ago.”

Discussing your physical relationship with the important person in your life is perhaps awkward, but definitely healthy for both of you. This conversation is important no matter your age or relationship with the important people in your life.

Another thing to watch is the voices in your head. They can be negative, critical, and downright abusive. Your own brain can be more brutal than an abusive “friend,” partner, or parent.

Teachers and administrators often say the same thing. But for whatever reason, the words “do your best” often translate to “don’t screw up” inside our heads.

“I need to rest.”

What’s the first thing that comes to mind for you? Is it a nap in a quiet room or a vacation to some far off locale?

At the end of a long, stressful day, the last thing you want to do is think about having to cook something. These days, it’s easier than ever to just pick up your phone and order your dinner through an app or pull a frozen dinner from the freezer.

I found it a chore that I’d rather not do. It just seemed silly, writing a note and thanking someone when I had already told them thank you in person when I had received the gift!

One of the greatest tools for battling anxiety and depression that can be brought on by quarantine turns out to be curiosity and engaging in what the researchers referred to as “flow.” These are activities that are completely absorbing such as running, painting, writing, or gardening.

It means talking about your religious beliefs and how they relate to the important people in your life. You may not share the same beliefs, or perhaps you do, but the depth of your regular practice varies.